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Hebrews is a rich writing that presents a plethora of puzzles to the interpreter of the text. In the first place is the question of authorship and on that issue one frequently finds commentators citing the statement of Origen, “Who wrote this epistle, God knows the truth” — meaning that it was God alone who … Continue reading “Hebrews 1:1-4, [5-12] Commentary by Marion L. Soards”

Hebrews 1:1-4 introduces a contrast that is the central theme throughout Hebrews: the climactic revelation of God in Christ, surpassing every way that God spoke and worked prior to Christ’s coming. The opening affirmation in verse 1 that God spoke through the prophets is important. While Hebrews as a whole is written to demonstrate Christ’s … Continue reading “Hebrews 1:1-4; 2:5-12 Commentary by Scott Shauf”

Many religious and ethnic communities have intricate celebrations for the declaration of a new family member’s name. Even for those who do not have such rituals, deciding upon and revealing the name of one’s child remains one of the most important moments in the process of becoming a parent. Hebrews 1, especially when it serves … Continue reading “Hebrews 1:1-4, [5-12] Commentary by Amy L.B. Peeler”

Christmas is the Festival of the Incarnation. It celebrates the birth of the baby Jesus. The second lesson for today reminds us, however — as does the Gospel text — that the nativity is set within a larger story of mind-boggling scope. The church traditionally has thought of the larger Christ narrative in terms of … Continue reading “Hebrews 1:1-4, [5-12] Commentary by Erik Heen”

One might wonder at the selection of this text set in conversation with that of Job and the Markan text on divorce and “the little children.” Though connections might be made through Psalm 8 (it is quoted in the Hebrews’ text), it is perhaps best simply to note that this is the first selection from … Continue reading “Hebrews 1:1-4; 2:5-12 Commentary by Erik Heen”

Philemon can be a challenge from the perspective of preaching. It has no central Christological themes and its primary issue–the status of a slave–can seem out of tune with contemporary concerns. What I find fascinating about the letter, however, is the messiness of the situation it describes. It looks a lot like life as I … Continue reading “Philemon 1:1-21 Commentary by Holly Hearon”

The lectionary passage Philemon 1:1-21 that is assigned for this Sunday contains, except for concluding remarks, greetings, and benediction, the entire text of this writing. It is Paul’s shortest New Testament letter, comprising only 335 Greek words. Despite its conciseness, it is one of his most fascinating and personal writings revealing precious insights into the … Continue reading “Philemon 1:1-21 Commentary by Christian A. Eberhart”

Preachers could be excused for neglecting Philemon when it emerges in the lectionary cycle. After all, the letter is a mere 25 verses. Moreover, it appears to deal with a personal matter between Philemon, Onesimus, and Paul. That is, the letter is brief and apparently does not seem to have the theological heft we find … Continue reading “Philemon 1:1-21 Commentary by Eric Barreto”

Today’s passage is an example of testimony. Beginning with the verse immediately preceding our text (3:3), this lectionary text speaks of the state of the reader, with respect to salvation, before and after becoming a Christian. However this is not what makes it a testimony. It is a testimony because the author includes himself in … Continue reading “Titus 3:4-7 Commentary by Michael Joseph Brown”

The Letter to Titus gives us none of Christmas’s usual fare. It mentions neither Mary, Joseph, angels, nor shepherds. But it can take us into the Incarnation by another route. It prompts us to view Christmas in light of the larger salvation story in which it appears. It also offers a description of the God … Continue reading “Titus 3:4-7 Commentary by Matt Skinner”